Posted in General Posts by Alyssa Revekant on 3/12/2012
Hey Friends,
I am starting my first Fundraiser! I am super excited about it and to see how God will provide through this Fundraiser. It is called Threads of Hope which is a ministry in the Philippines. Families will make these bracelets and the missionary Alex sends them to the United States for people to sell. For most families this is their only source ofincome, and many families have had to resort to selling their children into prostitution in order to survive. Threads of Hope partners with many different ministries and missionaries all over the world as well as with me. For each bracelet I sell, 50% will go back to the Philippines and to the families that have worked so hard to make these amazing bracelets. The other 50% goes toward my fundraising for the World Race! Let me know if you want to buy some or if you want to help me sell them! Threads of Hope is a great ministry and I am honored to be partnering with them. Love.
 .jpg)
| |
|
Posted in General Posts by Alyssa Revekant on 1/29/2012
Thailand
According to the CIA, the kingdom of Thailand, known as Siam until 1939, is the only country in the region not colonized by Europe. Their 2000 census showed that 94.6% of the population is Buddhist, 4.6% are Muslim, and 0.7% are Christian. Approximately 600,000 people live with HIV/AIDS in Thailand. With nearly two million people estimated to be forced into prostitution, it has become one of the most popular places for sex tourism. Change lives in the city-where you, like Jesus, might befriend prostitutes-or in the countryside-where you may serve youth, care for orphans, and encourage a remnant of believers.
Cambodia
Cambodia houses one of the Seven Wonders of the World, Angkor Wat, a Hindu temple and monastery built during the Khmer empire in the 12th century. It later became a Buddhist complex a century later, and today, just over 96% of Cambodia is Buddhist. Almost 30 years ago, 1.5 million Cambodians died at the hands of Pol Pot and the Khmer Rouge regime. Today, Cambodia is a source, transit point, and destination of human trafficking. Unfortunately, the government is struggling to stop it. The people of Cambodia are thirsty for the hope you can bring.
Vietnam/Laos
After nearly a century of French rule, in the mid-20th century, Vietnam split into communist (north) and non-communist (south) halves. Vietnam was united but as a communist country. Even with the economic reforms and restoration of diplomatic ties, human rights are limited in Vietnam, especially freedom of religion; most of Vietnam is Buddhist, less than 10% is Catholic. Laos shares French rule/influence and shift towards communism with Vietnam. Therevada Buddhism dominates Laos with Christian missionary work monitored by government. Either country has a lot to offer gastronomically and geographically; you have much of Christ’s love and light to shine.
Tanzania
Tanzania has a one-third split between Christianity, Islam, and indigenous religious groups. This diversity creates a colorful landscape of people and beliefs. Whether you are doing open-air crusades, door-to-door evangelism or visiting hospitals and orphanages the people of this diverse country will capture your heart.
Mozambique
One of the most beautiful countries in the African continent, Mozambique is a favorite location of World Racers for a variety of reasons: the people, the landscape, the ministry partnerships, the miracles that this country has seen, and more. The former Portuguese colony is seeing signs of redemption and economic recovery; because of, or in spite of, the extreme poverty gripping the nation, the church grows. You will teach, preach, and practice "true religion" with widows and orphans while you grow in your identity in Christ. One of your most interesting travel "days" may happen here.
Swaziland
The Kingdom of Swaziland is one of the last remaining monarchies in Africa. Home to 1.1 million people and breathtaking scenic views, it's also where the world's highest HIV/AIDS infection rate lives (26.1% in adults and over 50% of adults in their 20s). It's estimated that by 2050, Swaziland may cease to exist. Young orphans are scattered throughout this nation in desperate need of attention. For years, Adventures has been committed to seeing these statistics reversed. Here, you’ll most likely find yourself involved in a variety of outreaches, including education, orphan care, care point feedings, and more.
Dominican Republic
The Dominican Republic shares the island of Hispaniola in the Caribbean. The more affluent neighbor to Haiti (though generally it isn't too affluent), the D.R. is home to 9 million people. The Dominican culture is lively, vibrant, warm; however, the culture struggles with problems like hypersexualization and alcoholism. After the earthquake on January 12 in Haiti, the D.R. quickly became refuge to thousands who were displaced. This month, you'll serve at orphanages, refugee camps, and more; you'll partner with local churches, pastors, even Adventures in Missions' own full-time missionaries.
Haiti
Haiti was hit with a life-altering earthquake on January 12, 2010. The nation's still in shambles, the church is rising up. Haiti is experiencing a spiritual revival right now like it has never before seen. Communities are turning to pastors for leadership, and the local church is becoming the driving force behind Haiti's ongoing rebirth. This month, you'll help with relief efforts, establish connections with local pastors, help people rebuild their lives through meeting felt needs, and more. Come ready to serve; come ready to be blessed.
Moldova
Once a part of Romania, this former Soviet republic declared independence in 1991. Moldova, one of the poorest European countries, is riddled with a high underground crime rate. This country is vulnerable as a transit point of human trafficking. The main language spoken is Romanian (also called Moldovan) but there's debate as to what the Moldovan ethnicity is exactly. We need people who will bring kingdom clarity and declare the peace of God over a land filled with confusion and chaos.
Romania
The northern regions of Romania are home to the gypsy community. Though strangers in their homeland and forgotten by society, the gypsies are a strong and vibrant people who embrace the light of Christ in an inspirational way. Here, you will teach English, lead sports camps, live life with the gypsies, and more. It will be an exciting time of learning about a people group you may not have known even existed.
Ireland
Ireland boasts a heritage of Christianity through Catholicism. Yet the lifeless display of faith reveals that this nation is farther from God than ever. Rampant alcoholism and suicide rates reveal a desperate need for hope. Through sports, children's outreach, street evangelism, pub ministry, and the relationships that just happen along the way, the World Race reintroduces a life-giving faith to this beautiful, historic culture.
| |
|
Posted in General Posts by Alyssa Revekant on 1/28/2012
Dear Family and Friends,
As I sit in a coffee shop, contemplating what to say in this letter, I have an overwhelming feeling of unworthiness. I keep asking myself “how can God possibly call me to do this?” I am not a bible wiz, I don’t know the order of the books of Bible and I can’t quote as many bible verses as most but what I do know, is how to love. God has given me the gift of service and love towards people. God made it clear in Romans 12:5 that we are all a part of one body, The Body of Christ, and each of us have work to do. We have all been given different gifts so that we can bind together and use those gifts to tell people about Christ’s love.
The World Race has been on my mind since the day I met a Racer on my trip to Swaziland, Africa in 2007. It was always a nice and thrilling idea but one I never thought would become a reality. But, God had a different plan and here I am preparing to graduate from Messiah College (a year earlier) and accepted to The World Race all which came about in the matter of a few weeks from each. After praying for a couple weeks about if this was really what God wanted me to do and what route I should go on, I felt a strong connection to a route that left in September specifically that it would go back to 2 places I have already been, the Dominican Republic and Swaziland.
The World Race is a stretching journey into 11 countries in 11 months to serve "the least of these" while amongst real and raw community. This unique mission trip is a challenging adventure for young adults to abandon worldly possessions and a traditional lifestyle in exchange for an understanding that it's not about you; it's about the Kingdom. I will leave for this life changing journey in September 2012 and will return home in July of 2013. I will be traveling with a team of people ages 21-35. During this journey I will be called to a life of abandonment not just of material things but of my life; giving it all completely over to God. With only an expedition pack, I will be traveling to Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Tanzania, Mozambique, Swaziland, Dominican Republic, Haiti, Moldova, Romania, and Ireland. I will be doing service that varies from place to place such as serving in orphanages, visiting homes and hospitals, befriending prostitutes, encouraging believers, educating, and anything God has in store for us. The people in these countries are thirsty for hope and restoration.
So here is where I ask for your help, above all, your prayer. Pray for me and my team, that we will be transformed, made new and bind together. Pray for open hearts and God to use us in great ways. Pray for our safety and for our families back home. Pray for our preparations and that our finances would be covered. Pray for the people we will encounter, that their hearts would be prepared for what we have to share and for God to work through them. I am also asking that you would join me in this journey. You can follow my journey at alyssarevekant.theworldrace.org. I will be blogging and posting pictures starting now and continuing on my journey on the world race. That is also the site you can go to donate if you feel called to. The total cost of the trip costs $15,500 and about $2,000 in extra expenses for gear, vaccinations, travel insurance, etc. You can make one time or monthly donations by going to the above site just click on the “support me” link or you can make a check payable to adventures in missions and return the response card with it and a receipt will be sent back to you. Together we can bring hope to hopeless nations. Thank you, to each of you for being a part of my life in some way, and I look forward to sharing my experience with you. Love you all.
Blessings,
Alyssa Revekant
| |
|
|
|
|
